Browsing by Author "Faria, Tiago"
Now showing 1 - 10 of 13
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- Analysis of Aspergillus spp. burden by culture and molecular based methods in different occupational environments: what needs to be done?Publication . Quintal Gomes, Anita; Faria, Tiago; Caetano, Liliana Aranha; Sabino, Raquel; Viegas, CarlaFungal burden have traditionally being detected by conventional culture analysis, which despite its limitations, is widely used by the scientific community. Alternatively, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), based on the amplification of genomic regions specific to certain fungal species, has been associated with increased sensivity, allowing the detection of dormant forms of fungi, such as spores. We present several studies where both methods were used to detect the presence of toxigenic fungi, namely Aspergillus, particularly from the Fumigati, Flavi and Circumdati sections
- Analysis of surfaces for characterization of fungal burden - Does it matter?Publication . Viegas, Carla; Faria, Tiago; Meneses, Márcia; Carolino, Elisabete; Viegas, Susana; Gomes, Anita Quintal; Sabino, RaquelMycological contamination of occupational environments can be a result of fungal spores' dispersion in the air and on surfaces. Therefore, it is very important to assess it in both types of the samples. In the present study we assessed fungal contamination in the air and in the surface samples to show relevance of surfaces sampling in complementing the results obtained in the air samples.
- Exposição profissional a benzeno, tolueno, etilbenzeno e xilenos (BTEX), entre 2015 e 2020Publication . Pires, Ana Filipa; Pais, Aida; Faria, Tiago; Santos, Sílvia; Oliveira, Anabela; Amado, Joana; Pinhal, Hermínia; Nogueira, AnaA exposição profissional a benzeno, tolueno, etilbenzeno e xilenos (BTEX) tem efeitos nocivos para saúde (tóxicos para o sistema nervoso central e reprodução, cancerígenos, mutagénicos), que levaram a União Europeia e Portugal a estabelecer valores-limite de exposição, de cumprimento obrigatório (benzeno) ou com caráter indicativo (etilbenzeno, tolueno e xilenos), que visam proteger os trabalhadores no desenvolvimento das suas atividades profissionais. Entre os anos de 2015 e 2020, no âmbito das suas atividades de rotina de avaliação de exposição profissional a agentes químicos, os técnicos da Unidade de Ar e Saúde Ocupacional do Departamento de Saúde Ambiental do Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge (Lisboa) procederam à colheita e análise de 273 amostras de ar para determinação de BTEX. O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar os resultados obtidos nas amostras de ar realizadas, de modo a retratar a realidade no que respeita à exposição a cada um destes agentes. Verificou-se que 98% dos resultados são inferiores valor-limite de exposição.
- Exposição profissional a formaldeído em laboratórios de anatomia patológicaPublication . Pires, Ana Filipa; Pais, Aida; Faria, Tiago; Silva, Susana; Pinhal, Hermínia; Nogueira, AnaDe acordo com a IARC, a exposição continuada a formaldeído provoca cancro da nasofaringe e leucemia, tendo sido classificado como cancerígeno para o Homem (grupo 1) em 2004. A mesma classificação foi atribuída pela ACGIH em 2017, estabelecendo um valor limite 0,1 ppm para exposições de 8 horas e um valor limite de 0,3 ppm para exposições de cur ta duração (até 15 minutos). Os laboratórios de anatomia patológica utilizam solução aquosa de formaldeído como conser vante de peças anatómicas, tecidos ou células humanas. Tendo como base os resultados obtidos em avaliações de exposição profissional realizados em laboratórios de anatomia patológica por tugueses, obser va-se que as concentrações de formaldeído no ar destes locais nem sempre são negligenciáveis, sendo impor tante a sua par tilha de modo a aler tar para o problema. As tarefas de macroscopia e eliminação de resíduos são as mais críticas. Formação e sensibilização dos profissionais, correto dimensionamento dos postos de trabalho, meios de extração eficientes e rotinas de trabalho adequadas devem ajudar a reduzir a exposição.
- Feed production, swine and slaughterhouse: where is the highest occupational exposure to Aspergillus spp. in this production linePublication . Viegas, Carla; Faria, Tiago; Sabino, Raquel; Quintal Gomes, AnitaThis study intended to characterize fungal contamination in two swine farms, in one feed production unit, and also in one swine slaughterhouse. We aimed to identify where the highest occupational exposure to Aspergillus spp. was detected during the production line. Air and surfaces samples were collected from the four units through impaction and swabbing methods, respectively. Quantitative and qualitative results were obtained, with the identification of the isolated fungal species. For molecular analysis, 300L of air were also collected from each same sampling site using the impinger method. Real Time quantitative PCR (qPCR) was done to perform the molecular detection of the Aspergillus sections Circumdati, Fumigati and Flavi (only the toxigenic strains). Results: Eleven species of filamentous fungi were identified in air samples from the feed production unit, with a total of 1666 isolates. None Aspergillus species were isolated. Seven filamentous fungi species were found in the slaughterhouse, with a total of 810 isolates and only 10 isolates belonging to the Aspergillus fumigatus group (section Fumigati) were isolated. Twelve fungal species were found in the air from one of the analyzed swine farms in a total of 3080 isolates. Aspergillus genus showed low prevalence (6.5%), being the sections Candidi, Circumdati and Terrei the only ones isolated. Regarding the other assessed swine farm, 15 fungal species were identified, in a total of 5080 isolates. Aspergillus genus presented the highest prevalence (15.7%). Among this genus, Eurotium herbariorum (section Restricti) was the most prevalent (45.0%). Fumigati and Circumdati sections were also isolated. Regarding the results obtained by molecular methods, A. fumigatus section was detected in 10 sampling sites where this species-complex was not isolated by conventional methods: 2 in feed production, 4 in slaughterhouse and 2 in each swine farm assessed. Cultural methods showed that swine farms were the settings with the highest fungal load, presenting also the highest number of isolates belonging to Aspergillus spp., and a more diversified number of sections. The applied molecular tools enabled to target selected fungal indicators of higher occupational risk, allowing a more accurate characterization on occupational exposure to Aspergillus.
- Fungal burden exposure assessment in podiatry clinics from IrelandPublication . Viegas, Carla; Coggins, Ann Marie; Faria, Tiago; Caetano, Liliana Aranha; Quintal Gomes, Anita; Sabino, Raquel; Veríssimo, Cristina; Roberts, Nigel; Watterson, David; MacGilchrist, Claire; Fleming, Gerard T.AFungi are amongst the bioaerosols of most importance, as indicated by the growing interest in this field of research. The aim was to characterize the exposure to fungal burden in podiatry clinics using culture-based and molecular methods. Methods: Airborne fungi were collected using an impaction air sampler and surface samples were also performed. Fourteen air samples were collected for direct detection of fungal DNA from filamentous fungi and dermatophytes. Overall, 63.6 % of the evening samples and 46 % of the morning samples surpassed the threshold values (150 CFU/ m3). Molecular detection, by real time PCR, of the target fungal species/ strains (Aspergillus and Stachybotrys species) was negative for all samples collected. Trichophyton rubrum was detected by PCR analysis in one DNA sample collected on day six. Results suggest the use of both culture-based and molecular methodologies are desirable for a complete evaluation of fungal burden in this particular health care setting.
- Fungal burden in waste industry: an occupational risk to be solvedPublication . Viegas, Carla; Faria, Tiago; dos Santos, Mateus; Carolino, Elisabete; Gomes, Anita Quintal; Sabino, Raquel; Viegas, SusanaHigh loads of fungi have been reported in different types of waste management plants. This study intends to assess fungal contamination in one waste-sorting plant before and after cleaning procedures in order to analyze their effectiveness. Air samples of 50 L were collected through an impaction method, while surface samples, taken at the same time, were collected by the swabbing method and subject to further macro- and microscopic observations. In addition, we collected air samples of 250 L using the impinger Coriolis μ air sampler (Bertin Technologies) at 300 L/min airflow rate in order to perform real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) amplification of genes from specific fungal species, namely Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus complexes, as well as Stachybotrys chartarum species. Fungal quantification in the air ranged from 180 to 5,280 CFU m(-3) before cleaning and from 220 to 2,460 CFU m(-3) after cleaning procedures. Surfaces presented results that ranged from 29×10(4) to 109×10(4) CFU m(-2) before cleaning and from 11×10(4) to 89×10(4) CFU m(-2) after cleaning. Statistically significant differences regarding fungal load were not detected between before and after cleaning procedures. Toxigenic strains from A. flavus complex and S. chartarum were not detected by qPCR. Conversely, the A. fumigatus species was successfully detected by qPCR and interestingly it was amplified in two samples where no detection by conventional methods was observed. Overall, these results reveal the inefficacy of the cleaning procedures and that it is important to determine fungal burden in order to carry out risk assessment.
- New approach to study the real exposure to fungi in cork industry: nasal swabs mycobiota investigation coupled with screening on fungal resistance to azolesPublication . Viegas, Carla; Clérigo, Anália; Pacífico, Cátia; Faria, Tiago; Sabino, Raquel; Francisco, Mariana; Verissimo, Cristina; Viegas, SusanaThe presence of fungi belonging to the Penicillium glabrum complex has been associated with the development of respiratory diseases such as suberosis, one of the most prevalent diseases among workers from cork industries, besides occupational asthma. Azoles are used as pesticides but also the first line therapy in the treatment of Aspergillus infections; azole-resistance as been described as to have also an environmental source and is considered an emerging public health problem. The aim of this work was to characterize fungal distribution and to evaluate the presence of azole-resistant Aspergillus isolates in nose swab samples from the cork industry workers.
- Occupational Exposure to formaldehyde in pathology laboratoriesPublication . Pires, Ana Filipa; Pais, Aida; Faria, Tiago; Pinhal, Hermínia; Silva, Susana; Nogueira, AnaOccupational exposure to formaldehyde by inhalation causes irritation of the mucous membranes of the eye and upper respiratory tract (nose and throat), leading to tingling, redness or burns to the nose and throat, nasal discharge and watery eyes. At concentrations below 1 ppm symptoms are usually negligible, but they become disturbing when concentrations exceed 2 to 3 ppm. According to IARC, continuous occupational exposure to formaldehyde causes cancer of the nasopharynx and leukemia. IARC classified formaldehyde in group 1 (carcinogenic to humans) in 2004. Formaldehyde is used worldwide, mainly in the production of resins and adhesives used in wood, paper, plastic and textile industry. It is also used in aqueous solutions as a disinfectant and preservative in embalming activities and pathology laboratories. Pathology laboratories receive organ, tissue, or cell specimens collected from humans to study their structural alterations and to serve as support in the diagnosis and prognosis. The main steps are the preparation of formaldehyde solutions, macroscopy, placing the samples in cassettes and microscopic observation. Supporting tasks, necessary to laboratory operation, are emptying and maintenance of the parts prepared, elimination of specimens, recycling or elimination of the waste formaldehyde solutions. Based on results obtained in routine exposure evaluations, formaldehyde concentrations in Portuguese pathology laboratories are not always negligible, so it is important to share them in order to raise awareness to the problem.
- Occupational exposure to fungi and particles in animal feed industryPublication . Viegas, Carla; Faria, Tiago; Carolino, Elisabete; Sabino, Raquel; Gomes, Anita; Viegas, SusanaBackground: Very few studies regarding fungal and particulate matter (PM) exposure in feed industry have been reported, although such contaminants are likely to be a significant contributing factor to several symptoms reported among workers. The purpose of this study has been to characterize fungal and dust exposure in one Portuguese feed industry. Material and Methods: Air and surface samples were collected and subject to further macro- and microscopic observations. In addition we collected other air samples in order to perform real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of genes from Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus complexes as well as Stachybotrys chartarum. Additionally, two exposure metrics were considered – particle mass concentration (PMC), measured in 5 different sizes (PM0.5, PM1, PM2.5, PM5, PM10), and particle number concentration (PNC) based on results given in 6 different sizes in terms of diameter (0.3 μm, 0.5 μm, 1 μm, 2.5 μm, 5 μm and 10 μm). Results: Species from the Aspergillus fumigatus complex were the most abundant in air (46.6%) and in surfaces, Penicillium genus was the most frequently found (32%). The only DNA was detected from A. fumigatus complex. The most prevalent in dust samples were smaller particles which may reach deep into the respiratory system and trigger not only local effects but also the systemic ones. Conclusions: Future research work must be developed aiming at assessing the real health effects of these co-exposures.